It comes to no surprise that a sport consisting primarily of tackling opponents and racing across a 100-yard field is bound to have countless injuries coinciding with it. Football has been well known for its aggressive nature and continues to live up to that reputation with the increasing number of injuries being reported as the players prepare for training camps and the upcoming season. While many of the injured players have sought immediate treatment, the long term ramifications of the injuries are what will determine their success on the field.
Recently, Jason Pierre-Paul of the New York Giants underwent surgery for a herniated disk that had been causing him trouble for well over a year. He managed to play with the pain last season by receiving regular epidural injections to alleviate it; however, this week’s surgery was conducted in the hopes that the herniated disk will fully recover.
Until the start of the 2013 season, JPPl will partake in a rehabilitation program to help heal his lower back and have him fully prepared to play in the September 8th season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Dr. Robert Watkins said of Pierre’s recovery that,
“The timing of his return to football will depend on his response to the rehabilitation program. We anticipate a full recovery.” Dr. Watkins had been the one to perform Pierre’s surgery and has high hopes for the player’s return as one of the NFL’s most dreaded pass-rushers.
We can anticipate seeing JPP back in his best form in time for the upcoming season; however, another injured player – Michael Crabtree of the San Francisco 49ers – might be not be so fortunate.
Crabtree had his stitches removed on Monday following surgery on his torn Achilles tendon, and can now begin his rehabilitation. While fans are certainly optimistic about his progress, how soon he begins and how positively he responds to rehab will essentially determine when he makes his return. Dr. Dan Solomon, Crabtree’s orthopedic surgeon, has predicted that if rehab goes as planned, then the 49ers’ finest wide receiver will be back on the field in the final month before playoffs.
Another issue in particular that has been receiving much attention in mainstream is the stabbing of Steelers’ offensive tackle Mike Adams.
Adams was injured in his abdomen and forearm after being stabbed twice during an attempted carjacking. While a few suspects have already been arrested for the alleged homicide, Adams is expected to make a full recovery within as little as six weeks. He will hopefully be back on the field by July when training camps begin.
He will not be participating in the final week of organized team activities nor will he partake in next week’s minicamp. During his absence, second-year lineman Kevin Beachum is expected to hold his place.
The team’s quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has also been in the limelight since he missed part of the 2012 regular season due to injuries to his shoulder and ribs. Roethlisberger underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is expected to fully recover by the beginning of training camps later in the summer. With a slightly rough start, the Steelers will be ready to take on their opponents head on when the games begin this year.
Injuries on or off season are not uncommon in professional sports, especially in football which has one of the highest injury rates in comparison to other sports. An estimated 600,000 injuries occur annually amongst professional players and the injury for NFL players overall is 100%.
